In 1928, someone much smarter than I decided to formulate the following theorem, which states: ”If men define situations as real, they are real in their consequences.” Its a sociological observation that supports the belief of a “self-fulfilling prophecy”. The second item of discussion for today is my favourite, the “Tinkerbell effect”. This is a more abstract concept that basically states that “certain things only exist because people believe in them”. Examples include authority, the value of money as legal tender, amongst others.
Why discuss these two random theories? Because in my short, twenty-three years being relatively short life, I have come to fundamentally believe that our expectations, our attitudes, our thoughts (whether we act on them or not) drastically shape our experience on this planet.
A British research, Dr. Richard Wiseman once performed the following experiment:
He asked participants (who had either been classified as “lucky” or “unlucky” from previous assessments) to go to a cafe, order a drink, sit for a short period of time, and walk out. But, Dr. Wiseman made sure the small cafe’s tables were all full, ensuring that the only way the participants could get a seat is by asking a stranger to share. He also placed (the equivalent of $5) outside the cafe, a few pound note laying inconspicuously on the ground outside the door.
With cameras hidden, he watched the magic unfold.
The people who considered themselves lucky seemed to have had a great time. They sat with a stranger, struck up a conversation, and walked out smiling — even more so after they noticed the $5 on the ground.
The unlucky bastards, however, would have a different experience. They either stood uncomfortably or sat brooding at the end of a table, without engaging in conversation. And some, probably so grateful to be done, walked out of the cafe so fast or so deep in their misery, they didn’t even notice the $5 on the ground.
In fact, Wiseman reported that almost 100% of the “lucky” people found the money but not the same could be said for the “unlucky” ones.
How does this apply to me? Because I’m just one of those people that believes the world is inherently good. I’ve been told I’m naive. I’ve been told I live “in the clouds”. But like the magic that brought Tinkerbell back to life, I truly believe that extraordinary things can happen. And because I believe that, they do.
Just some food for thought 